Caracas Daily Journal (Jeremy Morgan): President Hugo Chavez' decision to put an end to the tax on financial transactions (ITF) is estimated to oblige the treasury to find at least Bs.F.8 billion to replace revenues that would otherwise have come from the much-disliked levy this year. ITF produced Bs.F.5.6 billion in the first five months, so the estimate may be on the conservative side. According to an economist who works in the state sector and prefers to remain nameless, the cost to the coffers could reach above Bs.F.10 billion.

Chavez promised business leaders at last Wednesday's meeting there would be no new taxes on business this year. The same economist says Chavez could yet regret that much as did his nemesis, George W. Bush, for "read my lips."

In the meantime, people are wondering where the new revenue is going to come from, and from whom.